SLING YOUR BABY -- PLEASE!!!

I'm not going to go off on a tanget, I promise.
However, I must state some facts for those of you who were never introduced to BABY WEARING. Many women I run into toted those damn car seats carriers on errands and to meetings - killing their backs, lugging pain-in-the-neck strollers, and suffering for no reason.

MY OWN PERSONAL REASONS TO CONSIDER USING A BABY SLING...
#1 - Babywearing helps parents and babies bond - essential for babies to feel loved and grow into loving adults.

#2 - Slings are MUCH more comfortable for tiny babies than front carriers. Imagine if your neck wasn't strong enough to hold up that powerful brain of yours - and then you start bouncing around in a front carrier. OUCH. Don't get me wrong -- front carriers have definite useful moments, especially when you'll be walking for long stretches, attending outdoor events, etc. when your baby is a little older. I personally use the heck out of my Ergo Carrier still with my 2-year old.

#3 - Slings are convenient. Throw it in your car, in your bag, etc. and whip it out to run into the store. No buckling, no fuss, no heavy car seat to carry.

#4 - They are fashionably COOL. I love seeing parents wearing their children in slings. They look hip and stylish and caring.

#5 - If your man refuses to use a sling - slap him silly. Once DADDY uses a sling he will realize that he can go about his daily routine (watching football, toiling on the computer, cleaning the kitchen - ha!) without disruption and without a crying baby.

#6 - Soothes baby instantly! Your baby or child will love being held close to your heartbeart, near the warmth of your body. Who doesn't feel safe and warm snuggling!!

My absolute favorite sling is http://www.ZoloWear.com. They are goregous. They are made better than most. They also have really cool sunblocking slings for summer (mesh fabric), and their silk slings are washable. They make pouches too (which are slings without the long fabric tail or rings). Pouches are simpler for first-time baby wearers but are not quite as adjustable. Plus, they have the cutest little children's play slings so new baby's older sibling can carry around their own baby!!!

Was that a tangent? I hope not.

SHOES THAT MAKE RUNNING FUN!!!

Okay, for anyone who knows me on a personal level you probably already know which running shoes I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT.

Warning: these are not for the "Glam Enamored." They are for the runner. Granted, I am Glam Enamored with my everyday shoes, just not my running shoes.

Ever heard of the brand SPIRA?
Nope, probably not.
Why?
Because: 1. they are fairly new; 2. they don't have celeb spokespeople; 3. they are made for comfort and ability NOT style; 4. they are sold in very few places so far.

None the less, I LOVE THEM. I wore them while marathon training last year. And I have a pair of their lightest weight model for short, fast races. I'm even buying my hubby a pair for his marathon training this summer/fall.

BTW, they have WALKING shoes too!!

THEY ROCK!!! They have tiny hidden springs that send the energy you normally lose into the ground back up into your legs. Think about it. They were actually BANNED FROM THE BOSTON MARATHON last year due to giving athletes an edge. Well, if the winner of the marathon was caught wearing them they would have been disqualified.

I tried to go back to my old habitual brand ASICS after wearing Spira for one year. Admittedly, I am a shoe whore and just thought I'd throw down some cash for the fancy new model of Asics. BAD IDEA. I was so disappointed in the feel (which I used to love) and the loss of energy in my legs that I took them straight back to the store.

I know its hard to ignore the shiny, sparkly, supposedly cutting edge running shoes in all the ads and media. But GET OVER IT.

Now I'm back to Spira and loving ever stroke of my feet on the ground. Best running shoe ever.
Check them out online at http://spirafootwear.com
You can enter your zip to find a store, or buy them online (in which case you'll have to trust me).

**Remember to always purchase running shoes 1 size bigger than your everyday shoes because your foot swells while running.

Sports Nursing Bras

A member in Maryland asked me last week if I new which sports nursing bras worked best? Well, quite honestly...the brand I bought with my first child SUCKED. This time around I REFUSE to wear a supposed nursing sports bra layered under a regular sports bra. I mean, its difficult enough nursing while sweaty - much less dealing with shirt and 2 tight sports bras and a fussing baby!!!

So I've done a little research (since I'm expecting in 8 weeks) and found two web sites that had some great info about sports nursing bras.

This site mentions which bras are best for high or low impact and cup sizes. Isn't that helpful??
http://www.fitmaternity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=b2
(note: I DO NOT recommend the "Melinda G" - that's what I bought last time)

This bra looks super comfortable and supportive:
http://marisa-kristines.stores.yahoo.net/nuspbrabyex5.html

And I ordered one of these to test it out:
http://tummystyle.com/detail.aspx?ID=851#

Fab Kimono for New Moms

This is one of the coolest things I've seen lately. It is called the "Momono" and it is a kimono wrap to be worn around the house (or around town) to cover spit-up stained tees or tanks. I'm getting one today! And you can bet I'll wear it outside the house. For breastfeeding moms it is an ideal article of clothing. Wear a tank under it - pull it to open on one side - pull the tank up to expose baby's treat. Simple! Cool. Fabulous! Check them out at http://www.mayalena.com/index.php